Can an Epidural Corticosteroid Injection Treat My Herniated Disc?

If you’ve been battling the nagging, sharp, or radiating pain of a herniated disc, you’re probably looking for relief that actually lasts and doesn’t involve going under the knife. 

You’ve come to the right place. 

Dr. David Wu, our interventional pain management expert at CurePain, has years of experience using epidural corticosteroid injections to treat a wide range of pain conditions, including herniated discs. 

Epidural corticosteroid injections are a nonsurgical option that might help reduce your pain and inflammation, especially if other treatments haven’t done the trick.

Here, we break down what epidural corticosteroid injections are, how they work, and whether they could be the right next step in your recovery.

What happened to your disc?

Your spine consists of small bones (vertebrae) with soft, cushiony discs in between. These discs act like shock absorbers. A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) happens when part of the disc’s inner gel pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. 

When that bulging disc presses on nearby nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, often in the back, buttocks, or down the leg.

It’s a common condition, especially as we age or after lifting something heavy the wrong way.

Why is it so painful?

The disc itself might not hurt, but when it puts pressure on a nerve, especially in your lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine), you’ll feel it. Pain can be sharp, shooting, or burning, and it often gets worse when sitting, bending, or coughing. This nerve irritation is what epidural corticosteroid injections aim to treat.

What is an epidural corticosteroid injection?

An epidural corticosteroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication (usually a corticosteroid) directly into the epidural space around your spinal cord and nerves. The goal is to reduce inflammation and swelling caused by the herniated disc, which can relieve pressure on the nerve and ease your pain.

Think of it like hitting the pause button on your pain cycle, giving your body a chance to heal without constant irritation.

What’s the procedure like?

Getting an epidural corticosteroid injection is a simple, straightforward process. Here’s a closer look. 

First, you lie on your stomach or side, depending on the injection site. We clean and numb the area with a local anesthetic.

Using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy), Dr. Wu carefully guides a thin needle to the correct spot in the spine and then injects the medicine into the epidural space.

We monitor you for a short time afterward and then go home the same day.

The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most people describe the discomfort as minimal, and there’s little to no downtime required.

How soon will I feel relief?

That varies. Some people feel better within a day or two, while others notice gradual relief over a week. In some cases, one injection provides months of relief. Others may need a series of injections spaced out over time for lasting results.

It’s important to note that an epidural corticosteroid injection isn’t a cure for a herniated disc — it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Are they safe?

Yes, primarily when performed by a trained interventional pain management specialist. Side effects are rare but can include temporary soreness at the injection site, headaches, or, in very rare cases, infection or nerve irritation.

That said, these injections aren’t recommended for everyone. We review your health history, current medications, and MRI or imaging results to determine if it’s the right fit.

You might be a good candidate for an epidural corticosteroid injection if:

• You have back or neck pain that radiates into the limbs
• Your imaging shows a herniated or bulging disc
• You’ve tried conservative treatments (like rest, meds, or PT) without success
• You want to avoid or delay surgery

If you’ve had persistent back or leg pain for more than a few weeks, and it’s interfering with your daily life, it’s time to talk to our pain specialist. The sooner you address a herniated disc, the better your chances of avoiding long-term complications.

Living with a herniated disc can be frustrating and limiting, but you don’t have to tough it out or jump straight to surgery. Epidural corticosteroid injections offer a safe, effective option to reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, and help you move forward with less pain.

When you’re ready to explore your options and get started treating your herniated disc, call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.